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Abstract
As an evolved concept, strategic human resource development (SHRD) has emerged as a significant way to achieve sustainable competitive advantages for organizations. Despite the importance and emphasis on HRD and its strategic roles, Korea faces challenges related to SHRD. Since SHRD is context-sensitive, applying existing theories and models originating from Europe and the United States in Korean SHRD research and practice without reflecting the Korean organizational context may not lead to optimal results. There are few qualitative studies of SHRD in Korea and, thus, a lack of in-depth, contextualized knowledge about SHRD practice based on Korean HRD practitioners’ views. The purpose of this study was to understand the HRD practitioners’ conceptualizations of their SHRD practice in the context of the large Korean organizations in which they lead. A basic qualitative study was conducted, and 21 HRD leaders in large Korean organizations were interviewed. Constant comparative analysis and thematic coding were conducted to analyze data. While participants had varied levels and types of HRD experience in their organizations, they understood SHRD to include four distinguishing characteristics: (a) strategic alignment, (b) partnership with top management and HRM, (c) pre-emptive actions, and (d) new technology adoption. Four main activities of SHRD were described, including (a) positioning to participate in organizational goal setting, (b) focusing intently on core and critical talent, (c) fostering specialized experts, and (d) building an integrative HR/HRD management system.
Four conclusions are presented based on the findings study. First, the long-term employment and moral rules of Confucianism have promoted and, at the same time, undermined SHRD in Korean organizations. Second, SHRD practice in Korean organizations parallels and expands upon the characteristics of SHRD outlined in Western literature. Third, HRD cannot be strategic alone. Finally, the findings point to digital transformation as shaping the future of talent development and management.
This study offers a valuable perspective on SHRD practice and informs the scholarly discussion related to SHRD. As a qualitative study, it broadens and deepens the understanding of specific Korean SHRD practice based on a deep understanding of HRD practitioners’ views and experiences.